The enamel layer on each of your teeth is made from microscopic mineral crystals that provide your teeth with the strength and durability to handle biting off and chewing food. However, a hard fall, blow to the face, or sports injury can easily fracture a tooth. This is even more likely if you participate in contact sports without a mouth guard or you grind your teeth at night on a regular basis.
It’s natural for the initial trauma to be shocking and associated with short-term pain. If the initial pain subsides in short order, it likely means the fracture is shallow and limited to the enamel layer of the tooth. You can rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to clear any blood or debris from your mouth to give yourself a clear look at the fractured tooth.
If the fracture is limited to the enamel layer, Steven A. Beuligmann, DDS Inc might simply be able to repair it with a basic filling.
If pain persists or you experience excessive sensitivity in the tooth, it likely means that the fracture affects the sensitive internal structures of the tooth. Even if you don’t feel any pain, the fracture in the tooth could still pose additional problems with tooth decay and future sensitivity issues.
If the fracture extends into the dentin, pulp or root of the tooth, we might need to perform a root canal. If the damage is severe, it might need to be extracted and restored in the future with a bridge or a dental implant.
If you have fractured a tooth, you should call Steven A. Beuligmann, DDS Inc as soon as possible at 760.729.5964 to schedule an appointment.